Many Britons who have booked a half-term skiing holiday in the French Alps could be in trouble as two major unions in France have voted to strike from January 31.
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The unions representing seasonal and lift workers have announced they will go on an ‘unlimited strike’ in a dispute over wages, unemployment insurance and nationwide pension reforms. It is thought that the strike could even go on until the end of March with the unions voting to close some of the most popular ski resorts in the Alps.
Dozens of ski stations closed
The industrial action is expected to hit the ski resorts during their busiest period with dozens likely to close, causing chaos for holidaymakers.
Eric Becker, head of the lift operators' branch of the Force Ouvrière union, said, as per the Daily Mail:
We have decided to call for a strike during the February holidays because demands are listened to more during this period.
Whilst the strike could go on for several weeks, it is thought it will be ‘especially strong’ from March 16 - 20, when the Ski World Cup in Courchevel and Méribel is on. Becker went on to add that they do not want to cause too much harm to businesses that have already suffered considerably during the pandemic.
We do not want to further weaken companies already in difficulty.
As such, it is expected that there will be rolling stoppages with different ski lifts closed on different days to spread out the disruption.
Does insurance cover it?
Refunds are not likely for Brits with bookings at French ski resorts during the planned strike action as travel companies will still technically be offering the holiday as sold. It is recommended that travellers check with their insurance companies to what extent they are covered as it is rare that policies cover missed ski daysdue to strikes.
Major ski resorts in Europe have had a difficult time since the Covid-19 pandemic with many suffering from a lack of snow this winter and also spiralling energy costs.
Commenting on the difficulties, Pascal de Thiersant, director of the Société des Trois Vallées lift company said, as per the Daily Express:
After French strikes target ski lifts almost two years of Covid then the energy problem, the unions want to pile it on again. That's really shooting themselves in the foot.
France has been facing large walkouts already this year as President Emmanuel Macron intends to increase the retirement age from 62 to 64. In addition, the ski unions are protesting for better wages and unemployment insurance for their staff and seasonal workers.
Sources used:
- Daily Mail 'Half-term ski holidays for hundreds of thousands of Brits could be ruined after French unions voted to shut down lifts during school break'
- Daily Express 'Britons could see holidays cancelled after more strikes announced - where to go instead'
